Various internet candle-making forums talk about adding coconut oil to candle wax. Some believe that it’s especially helpful in improving the outer beauty of candles. It makes candles smooth and silky, gives rise to scent throw, and aids in preventing wet spots. However, can you really mix coconut oil with candle wax?
Yes, you can add coconut oil to candle wax. Every pound of wax should receive only more than half a teaspoon of oil. You should also only add the coconut oil when the candle wax is heated to a temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
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While several people say coconut oil can have various benefits for a candle, especially those made out of soy wax, there is little evidence to support this claim.
However, if you are hoping for a definitive answer, you can always experiment to be sure. Below is a detailed discussion of coconut oil and its use in candle making.
Can You Add Coconut Oil To Candle Wax?
Simply put, you can blend coconut oil with the wax of a candle. However, there is a catch. No matter what kind of wax your candle is made out of, coconut oil should always be added in small quantities to preserve the integrity of the candle itself.
Coconut Oil Candle Benefits
Candles made out of coconut oil are known as coconut wax candles. This is because a candle made out of coconut-based wax consists primarily of high-melt oil, namely coconut oil. This ingredient blends perfectly with all other kinds of waxes that are natural and much harder. As a result, the product formed is a breathtaking one.
If you ever smell a candle that has been made from coconut oil, you will be able to breathe in the fresh aroma that it throws. Moreover, this candle is slow-burning, which means that it’s refreshing and lasts for a long time. There are various other benefits of a coconut oil candle, which you will find below.
- They have stunning aesthetics.
Candles with coconut oil or wax are known to be incredibly beautiful. The color of the wax of such candles ranges from pure white to cream. Despite the fact that you can easily color the candle wax with dye, you will not feel the need to because its original color is synonymous with stunning aesthetics.
Furthermore, you will not have to stress yourself out thinking you will smell coconuts if you burn a coconut oil candle. The wax of a coconut candle, as well as the oil itself, is completely odorless. You will not have to smell a burning coconut at all!
- They are environmentally friendly.
It’s not possible for any type of candle flame not to release soot. At one point or the other, all types of candles pose the risk of leaving black soot here and there. However, a coconut oil candle has the cleanest burn compared to its paraffin and soy counterparts. You can sit back and relax, assured that your candle will expel close to no soot at all. Consequently, the sanctity of the air in your surroundings and your surfaces is maintained.
The primary reason behind the almost zero-soot feature of coconut oil candles is the way it’s derived. The hydrogenation process is used to do so, which involves transforming coconut oil into wax for candles. As a result, candles of this kind mainly comprise renewable and organic materials and have a minimal impact on the environment.
Coconut oil candles can practically guarantee the sustainable preservation of the ecosystem so that you do not have to worry about harming the environment anymore by burning candles. All you have to do is relax and take in the beautiful aromas brought to you by these candles.
- They have slow-burning properties.
One of the most important benefits that you can derive from coconut oil candles is their ability to burn slowly. They do not just have an exceptional scent throw but can provide you with a candle whose scent does not fade quickly. This is because they can hold fragrances for a longer period of time than other types of candles.
You may have noticed that all your other candles burn out in a matter of a few hours. On the other hand, a candle made out of coconut oil or coconut wax gives you a longer burn time. Thus, you can be comforted that when you purchase a coconut oil candle, you will be making a worthwhile investment in your well-being.
- It provides excellent adhesion.
Coconut oil candles are also known for having the best jar adhesion. If you have any beeswax or soy wax candles, you know that you have to pre-heat your jar to enjoy them at their best. However, this is not the case with coconut oil or coconut wax candles.
All you have to do is put your candle inside the container or jar at any given temperature. Then, watch as your mind and body experience a sense of calm as the sensual aroma of a coconut oil candle takes over the room.
- They are sustainable
As aforementioned, the hydrogenation process makes coconut oil candles environmentally friendly as well as sustainable. The fact that they are derived directly from the plant coconut is an ode to their sustainability.
Moreover, they can be easily renewed and are much better in terms of quality as compared to other candles, such as soy wax ones. Rest assured, you can never go wrong with a creamy and rich blend of coconut-based wax.
- They are easy to use
No matter what the pouring temperature is at the time, coconut oil candles will display soft tops. Thus, you do not need to pour repeatedly until the top comes out smooth and good enough. This further ensures that there will be no messes when you use coconut oil candles, as it does not have any bloom or frost either.
In addition, making candles from coconut wax or oil is also an easy process. This is simply because coconut wax does not take very long to melt and is easy to pour, as is coconut oil. Another convenient aspect of a coconut oil candle is that it burns just right with almost every wick, especially a wooden one.
So you do not have to spend too much time worrying about the compatibility of the wax and the wick.
If you search for ease and quality when purchasing a candle, then one made out of coconut oil or wax is perfect for you. Their fantastic aroma, rich colors, and slow-burning properties ensure that they will give you the required bang for your buck.
How Much Coconut Oil Should You Add To Candle Wax?
It’s advised that you only add small quantities of coconut oil to the wax blends. Thus, every pound of wax should receive only more than half a teaspoon of oil. Remember, it will only melt when heated to a temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby reducing the overall melting point.
If you end up adding coconut oil in larger quantities, your candles will become too soft, and you will not be able to send them to someone because their integrity will become compromised.
What Temperature Do You Add Coconut Oil To Wax?
If you are hoping to mix coconut oil with the wax of candles, then it needs to be at a recommended optimal temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit. This would also mean that you’d need a thermometer for this. Moreover, the oil must be added alongside fragrance oil and mixed thoroughly. Make sure to be gentle in this process to prevent the creation of any inclusions in the air bubble.
In addition, ensure that the coconut oil mixes fully and properly. Failure to do so will prevent the candle wax from hardening.
Is Coconut Wax The Same As Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil comes from the plant coconuts. It has various uses, one of which is being used as a primary ingredient for coconut wax. On the other hand, coconut wax has no odor or color of any kind, resulting from cold-pressed coconut meat or soy wax and coconut oil mixed together.
Is Coconut Wax Good For Candle Making?
A wide range of candle-making forums will tell you that wax made out of coconuts is said to be one of the healthiest kinds of wax used to make candles. It’s also considered to be of good quality and sustainable, with various other exceptional features, such as its beauty and slow-burning properties. However, coconut wax is the most attractive because it does not expel soot in substantial quantities like other kinds of candle waxes.
How To Make Coconut Wax?
Are you someone who loves scented candles or uses them as a form of therapy? If yes, then you are going to love a candle made out of coconut-based wax because it can make the fragrance stay for a longer period of time. Moreover, if you care about the environment, you will be happy that coconut-based wax is sustainable. No harm, no foul!
There are a handful of reasons why coconut wax should be perfect for your candles, aside from its visual appeal. Therefore, it’s completely natural if you want to learn how to make them. Below are detailed steps to help you make the best coconut wax candles at home.
- Plan ahead
Whenever you start a project at home, no matter if it’s to make candles, you can choose to use kits that are designed to help make it easier to create candles at home for a smooth and seamless process.
- Prepare the space you are going to work in
The process of candle making involves various steps, including melting the wax, no matter which kind it is, assembling the molds, and giving the candles enough time to dry. Thus, in order to ensure that the workflow is smooth, you need a spacious table to work on.
In addition, the room you choose to do your project in has to have a proper and working ventilation system. Working with fragrances can drive the oxygen out of the room, so you have to be careful about letting the air pass.
If you are hoping to make candle-making a new hobby of yours, then it’s recommended that you choose a room to set up a workshop for yourself. This will make storing the supplies needed to make candles and the in-process and finished products easier. Moreover, any mess you make will stay confined to the room, and any candle-making accidents. Remember, your safety and the safety of your family come first.
- Do some research beforehand.
Before you can start making your own coconut wax candles, you will need to find suppliers who sell authentic products. This includes the purchase of quality coconut wax, which gives you that creamy texture you are looking for. If you are looking for kits to help with candle-making, you may have to take a local class for the course or search for suppliers in your area by going online.
Do not be afraid to ask for recommendations from friends. If you decide to take a candle-making course, you can also ask your instructor for advice, as they are likely to be aware of a couple of reputable and reliable vendors in the area.
- Be ready with your ingredients.
Once you have found a reliable supplier for your candle-making materials, it’s time for you to sit down and make a list of all the ingredients you will need to purchase from them. Searching for homemade recipes on the internet, especially on candle-making forums, can help you get a good start on the process.
If you decide to pursue this hobby in the future, you can start experimenting with the recipes as per your own preference and tastes.
- Prepare the equipment and tools.
Whether you are a beginner or someone who regularly makes different types of candles, you are free to have your own preference when it comes to equipment and tools. You can opt to go for jars, molds, and bottles, but they fall onto you to ensure they are all in place before making your candles.
Remember, you do not want to be in the middle of pouring only to realize that you have run of wicks for your candle. Make sure to double-check everything, especially the scissors and thermometer.
- Start making the candles.
Once you have everything in order, it’s time to get your hands dirty and make candles. Set out all your tools and start by measuring the ingredients with respect to the batch size you are hoping to make. If you are using a kit to make your candles, then these ingredients will already be measured for you beforehand.
Make sure to measure your wet as well as your dry ingredients before placing them in different containers. This helps you avoid errors, such as adding too little or too much fragrance or coconut oil.
- Melt and mix
After all your ingredients are measured, it’s time to put them in your melting pot and thoroughly mix them. Be sure to allow the coconut wax ample time to meet with the heat at a low, preferably 65 to 70 degrees Celsius. Lay down a couple of newspapers to prevent any spills on clean surfaces.
Next, center the wicks in your container or jar while you wait for the wax to melt. For coconut wax, it’s vital to be at a temperature of somewhere between 48 to 52 degrees Celsius before you can go ahead and put in some fragrance.
Use a thermometer to check that the wax is not too hot; otherwise, it will just burn through the scent. If the coconut wax has achieved optimal temperature, feel free to add in the aroma of your choice.
- Creating a candle out of coconut-based wax
Once again, use your thermometer to check the temperature of the wax, which should now be at 40 to 46 degrees Celsius. Feel free to start pouring the melted wax into the container or jar of your choice. A lower temperature of the wax means that it’s easy to control, as well as it’s thick, and can be poured without making a mess.
- Wait for the wax to harden.
This is quite possibly one of the most difficult parts of candle-making on account of how excited you are to see the final product. Thus, try not to adjust or move your candle unless the wax has hardened and is solid. Once it does, you will start to notice that it becomes white.
Afterward, be sure to set a timer for at least five hours before you go ahead and trim the wick. If you do it before time, you could end up disturbing the candle wax or the wick. Use sharp scissors to ensure the trimming is smooth and does not cause any disturbance later.
Can You Add Coconut Oil To Beeswax Candles?
Of course, if you want to make candles out of beeswax, you can just follow simple steps online and do so. However, you can make one alteration if you want to add a little coconut oil. Not only does this oil prolong the life of your favorite candle, but it allows it to burn at a consistent pace and prevents the occurrence of tunneling.
Can You Make Candles Out Of Pure Coconut Wax?
You may have bought a candle with wax made out of coconuts before or gone through the instructions above to make a candle out using coconut wax. But the question remains, is it possible to whip up candles made purely from coconut wax? Well, the answer is no.
This is primarily because this kind of candle wax is quite soft and cannot be used separately to make a solid candle. Therefore, the blends that you will get from your local supplier will normally be blended with another kind of wax, such as paraffin, palm, or soy.
While you cannot make a candle made completely by using coconut wax, you can create one with a high coconut wax content.
Can You Add Coconut Oil To Soy Wax?
As per a couple of candle-making bloggers, you can use coconut oil when making soy wax candles. However, they can soften up the wax too much, so ensure that you only add ½ a teaspoon for every pound used.
Can You Mix Coconut Wax With Soy Wax?
It is common practice to mix coconut waxes with soy wax to raise the melting point. Since coconut-based wax is soft, it can potentially cause trouble when it comes to melting it in the summertime.
Is Coconut Wax Better Than Soy Wax?
While soy wax may be better as compared to paraffin wax, coconut wax has been deemed a superstar among the various kinds of candle waxes. Here are a couple of reasons why coconut wax ranks better than soy wax.
- Wax made out of coconut is high-yield and renewable, which makes for a sustainable and eco-friendly product.
- Coconut wax has the ability to burn for a longer period of time than soy wax and has a relatively clean burn. The fact that it lasts longer gives a better investment than soy wax.
- This wax blends perfectly with essential and fragrance oils, which is why it has a better scent than a soy wax candle.
- While soy wax requires adding dye to bring out beautiful colors, coconut wax has its own creamy white and beautiful color that does not require the addition of any external hues.
Adding Coconut Oil To Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax blends better with vegetable oil, as opposed to coconut oil. At times, mixing the latter with paraffin wax leads to a quite sensitive blend to changes in temperature. However, if you do want to use coconut oil, make sure that it’s not more than half a teaspoon for every pound of wax you use.
By now, you can tell that mixing a small amount of coconut oil with any kind of wax is not going to ruin your candles. It may lower their melting points by a bit, but it will not compromise the integrity of any type of wax you use.
Be sure to do a lot of testing as you start with the candle-making process that employs either coconut oil, coconut wax, or both. Try not to use too much fragrance oil and limit the quantities of vybar and steric acid you use. The more you test, the better your candles will come out to be.
Furthermore, if you want to make the perfect coconut oil or coconut wax candles, you must follow the simple steps outlined above. They will help you minimize the chances of making a mess and going wrong. In addition, you will be able to end up with a gorgeous, nice-smelling, and creamy colored candle worthy of you. You can also gift it to someone you love!
